Information for Board candidates

The Child and Family Institute Board is an active, working one. Our board and staff are well aware of the limited time individuals have these days for volunteer service. In that spirit, we make every effort to ensure that time spent by our board members is well used and results-oriented. Individual board members believe in what they are doing and have fun doing it.

Mission Statement

The Child & Family Institute is dedicated to the healing, compassionate treatment of family trauma and remediation of risks to children. We engage this care by fostering child, family and community resiliency and empowerment of culture.

Basic Responsibilities of Each Director

• Understand and support our mission.
• Support the goals and objectives outlined in the CFI Organization strategic plan and other plans developed by the board of directors.
• Attend all board meetings. (The Board Meets Monthly
• Serve on at least one committee.
• Serve one complete three-year term.
• Devote a reasonable amount of time each month to further the mission and goals of our organization. (Time commitments average 4-6 hours per month for directors. Additional time may be required for officers and committee chairs.)
• Assist in establishing a Resource Development Plan, particularly the activities assigned to the board of directors.
• Participate in and support all fundraising and donor cultivation events.

Basic Responsibilities of the Board

• Determine, review and support the Child & Family Institute’s mission. Ensure that the mission drives all programs, planning and other activities.
• Select the executive director and support and evaluate his/her performance.
• Ensure effective organizational planning. This includes helping to develop the strategic plan, approving it and monitoring it.
• Ensure adequate resources to achieve our mission.
• Assure that resources are being managed effectively. This includes helping to develop and approve the annual budget and monitoring it.
• Ensure quality, cost-effective services. Seek ways to strengthen services consistent with our mission.
• Serve as liaison to our stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, clients and the community-at-large.
• Establish broad policies that protect the Child & Family Institute from legal action by ensuring accountability for legal and ethical behavior.
• Establish a board development plan that includes recruiting, orienting and retaining board members on a year ‘round basis.

Insurance

• Board members are covered by liability insurance including coverage for errors and omissions.

Accountability

• To assist in furthering our organization's mission, staff is available and the financial records are open to all directors.

Standing Committees (in addition to the Executive Committee)

• Each director is expected to serve on one of the following committees:

Fund Development Committee: Works with staff to develop and implement an annual fund development plan.

Board Development Committee: Develops a process to cultivate and recruit prospective board candidates on a year-round basis; establishes mechanism for orienting and training new board members; monitors and evaluates the performance of each board member annually; nominates a new slate of officers annually.

Program Committee: Develops and reviews the strategic plan; reviews and recommends new programs and services; ensures programs are meeting quality standards by annual program evaluation and monitoring.

Finance Committee: Develops and reviews the annual budget and presents it to the board for approval. Reviews the annual audit, monthly and quarterly reports; oversees prudent investment of the organization's resources; establishes and reviews sound financial policies.

Orientation

Upon acceptance as a board member, you well be invited to participate in an orientation and tour of Child & Family Institute’s programs and facilities. At this time you will receive your board manual that includes detailed information about the organization and the board.